Cee Lo Green performs at the Caesars Entertainment "Escape To Total Rewards" concert in Los Angeles, Thursday, March 1, 2012. Simultaneous concert events were held in New York, Chicago, New Orleans and Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) less

Cee Lo Green performs at the Caesars Entertainment "Escape To Total Rewards" concert in Los Angeles, Thursday, March 1, 2012. Simultaneous concert events were held in New York, Chicago, New Orleans and Los ... more

Photo: Chris Pizzello, STF

Cee Lo spreads some Christmas magic

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If there is indeed a modern-day Santa Claus, it would probably be Cee Lo Green. He's flamboyant, eccentric and eternally jolly. He has an infectious laugh. And he's good with kids (his young hopefuls on "The Voice") and animals (cat Purrfect and cockatoo Lady).

Still, a Christmas album might seem like an odd move from the man behind Goodie Mob, Gnarls Barkley and Danger Mouse. But Green has never adhered to a blueprint. That's what's made his career so interesting.

"Cee Lo's Magic Moment," however, doesn't find Green indulging his freak flag. (Not even on a duet with fellow "Voice" coach Christina Aguilera.) The biggest surprise is how traditional the whole thing sounds - and how comfortable Green seems with it all. (The album is online and in stores Tuesday.) Most of the songs have a familiar retro flair and are strong showcases for his surprising vocal prowess. Add this one to your holiday shopping list.

Green seems most at home with the old-school R&B swagger of "What Christmas Means to Me," "This Christmas," "Please Come Home for Christmas" and "Run Rudolph Run." The approach is simple and straightforward, with appropriately boisterous production. But he - and everyone, in fact - should leave "All I Want for Christmas" to Mariah Carey.

A few friends join the party, including Aguilera, who provides a fun chemistry during "Baby, It's Cold Outside." Green's easygoing, crooner approach makes him almost unrecognizable, even as Aguilera's runs and trills threaten to overpower the song.

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A cappella group Straight No Chaser provides a dynamic backdrop for "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," though Green has trouble evoking the song's campy mood (surprisingly enough). Rod Stewart adds his signature rasp to a just-OK "Merry Christmas, Baby." And the Muppets are fantastic, as always, on original "All I Need Is Love," which has the ring of a modern classic. Try and not sing along even after one listen.

Even with all the flash, Green is at his best with traditional fare: the nostalgic vibe of "The Christmas Song," the gorgeous falsetto he brings to Joni Mitchell's "River," the hushed soulfulness of "Mary, Did You Know?" He manages to give them new life while still respecting the original compositions.

Old, new and the Muppets - just like Christmas, a little something for everyone.